What is Important to Know by Country When Purchasing Travel Insurance

Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it can also present unexpected risks. Illnesses, accidents, or medical emergencies abroad can be financially devastating without proper coverage. This is where travel insurance becomes critical, and not all policies are created equal. Depending on the country you’re visiting, the type and extent of coverage you need can vary significantly.

This December, we know that you might want to take advantage of the summer holidays and get out and about during the holidays. Whether you are heading to the coast, popping across the border or event travelling further abroad, you will need to know what the risks are and how to avoid them. At Universal Air Evac, Africa’s most trusted air ambulance and commercial medical escort provider, we frequently assist clients who underestimated the importance of comprehensive travel insurance. Here’s what you need to know when purchasing travel insurance by country.

Understand Local Healthcare Systems

Healthcare systems differ widely from country to country, and this can impact both the cost and the availability of treatment.

• Developed Countries: Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe offer high-quality medical facilities, but healthcare can be extremely expensive for travelers without insurance. In the US, for example, a single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Travel insurance should cover emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, and ambulance services, including air ambulance if necessary.
• Developing Countries: In countries across Africa, parts of Asia, and Latin America, medical facilities may be limited outside major cities. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation or repatriation is essential, as serious conditions may require transport to a facility in another city or even another country.

Tip: Always check if the insurance covers treatment in private hospitals or only public hospitals.

Check for Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage

Not all travel insurance policies include medical evacuation. This coverage is critical if you are traveling to countries with limited medical infrastructure or remote regions.

Universal Air Evac provides doctor-based medical teams, ICU-capable aircraft, and bed-to-bed patient transport, making us an essential partner for insured travelers requiring emergency medical evacuation. If your insurance policy does not explicitly cover medical evacuation, you may be left with enormous out-of-pocket costs in the event of a serious emergency.

Tip: Look for insurance policies that cover both domestic and international air ambulance services.

Understand Policy Exclusions

Each country may have specific exclusions or requirements based on local laws and travel risks. Common exclusions to watch for include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Adventure sports or high-risk activities
• Epidemics or pandemics
• Travel to politically unstable regions

For example, if you are planning a safari in East Africa, a standard travel insurance policy might not cover injuries from off-road activities, or if you are in South East Asia, it will not cover that motorbike or scooter that you want to hop on. Ensure your policy explicitly includes adventure or high-risk activities if relevant to your travel plans.

Consider Local Travel Requirements

Some countries require proof of travel insurance before entry. Schengen countries, for example, mandate insurance covering emergency medical care and repatriation for all travelers. Other countries may require coverage for COVID-19 or other contagious diseases.

Tip: Always verify entry requirements with official government or consulate websites before purchasing travel insurance.

Duration and Territorial Coverage

Insurance policies may differ in terms of duration and geographic scope. Consider the following:

• Short-term trips: Most standard travel insurance policies cover single trips of a few days to a few weeks.
• Long-term or multi-country travel: You may need multi-trip or extended coverage, particularly if traveling across multiple continents.
• Regional vs Global Coverage: Some policies only cover emergencies within the country of travel or nearby countries. If your journey spans multiple continents, ensure the policy has global medical coverage, including medical evacuation.

Universal Air Evac operates not only across Africa but also into Europe, the Middle East, and through wing to wing partnerships globally. If your insurance covers international medical evacuation, you can rely on our teams to transport patients safely to the nearest appropriate facility.

Emergency Assistance and 24/7 Support

In a medical emergency, timing is critical. Insurance should provide access to a 24/7 assistance hotline and clear instructions for contacting emergency medical services. Universal Air Evac emphasises real-time coordination with insurers to ensure patients receive care without delays.

The Bottom Line

Travel insurance is not just a “nice-to-have”, it is a crucial safeguard that can mean the difference between a manageable emergency and a catastrophic financial and medical situation. When purchasing travel insurance, it’s essential to consider:

• Local healthcare quality and costs
• Coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Policy exclusions and restrictions
• Entry requirements for your destination
• Geographic and duration coverage
• 24/7 emergency support

By carefully evaluating these factors, travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing they are fully protected. And with partners like Universal Air Evac, insured travelers have access to professional, safe, and experienced medical evacuation services wherever they go.

Whether you’re planning a short vacation in Europe or an adventure across Africa, ensure your travel insurance is comprehensive, and know that your safety and wellbeing are always our priority.